Western New York Arcade & Attica Railroad
Vintage Train Rides Offer Family Friendly Scenic Excursions
Oct 3, 2008
Vintage railroads offers scenic excursion that are not only great family fun, they are educational. At one time, the railroads that connected the nation were the most sophisticated means of transporting goods and people across the land. Arcade and Attica Railroad, in Western New York State, offers a nostalgic journey back in time.
The Historic Train Station of the Arcade and Attica Railroad
Visitors to the historic train station can browse through exhibits of memorabilia from the history of railroading. Visitors view original photographs and displays, including antique railroad lanterns, switch locks and an old switch stand. Purchase tickets at the authentic ticket office, where the ticket master sells tickets for the day's train trip.
All Aboard for Curriers Depot
The conductor calls "All Abroad" and the train whistle blows. Passengers are on the way for a 90 minute scenic ride through the countryside and farmlands that look much as they did when the line was built in the 1880's When the steam locomotive pulls into Curriers Depot, passengers are free to take pictures and talk with the crew, as they prepare the locomotive for the return trip.
History of the Arcade and Attica Railroad
Back in the days when railroads where the most efficient means of transportation, the farmers of western New York State saw a perfect opportunity to link to the big cities. Small lines of railroad were built, stretching across the beautiful Allegheny River Valley. When the Pennsylvania Railroad wanted to connect to Buffalo, New York, they decided that the best option was to purchase the small, incomplete lines of rail and link them together. The result was the Buffalo, Attica & Arcade Railroad.
According to the history on the Arcade and Attica website, the B.A. & B. Railroad was being operated by the Buffalo and Susquehana Railroad in 1917, which was considering closing the section down. Businessmen along line were concerned as they needed the rail line to transport goods. Stock was sold to 365 people, including farmers, merchants and interested parties; raising $79,000. Thus formed the Arcade and Attica Railroad Corporation. This small corporation owns the railroad to this day.
Freight business began to decrease in the late 1950's, so the short line decided to implement steam powered passenger excursions. The historic line became known as the "Grand Scenic Route."
Arcade and Attica Railroad Excursions
Arcade and Attica operates special excursions, some powered by historic steam locomotive and others by a vintage World War Two era diesel engine. Regular excursion run every weekend from Memorial Day Weekend until the end of September. During the October fall foliage season, the schedule is expanded to include Fridays, with three trains operating each day of the weekend.
There are special events throughout the year, including 4th of July Weekend, The Grandparents Express, Children's Train Rides, Civil War Reenactment Weekend, Murder Mystery Dinner Trains, Fall Foliage Runs, Halloween Haunted House. The Christmas season is especially festive, with kid friendly rides including the North Pole Express Trains and Santa Claus Trains.
Arcade and Attica Railroad, 278 Main Street, Arcade, NY 14009. 1-585-492-3100 or 1-585-496-9877.
 |
